Unique fundraiser aims to help veterans with PTSD

October 15, 2018

Unique fundraiser aims to help veterans with PTSD

A fundraiser devised by Police Constable Paul Corcoran at the Deference Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL), is seeking to raise awareness of veterans suffering with PTSD.

The project, ‘Not Just Another Brick In The Wall,’ will see volunteers carry bricks dedicated to veterans who have lost their lives. Volunteers will take part in a 45 mile, three day walk along Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland.

The leader of the project, PC Corcoran, has set a £100,000 target and hopes the collection of inscribed bricks will be housed in the Light Infantry museum after the fundraiser.

PC Corcoran said: ‘Not just another brick in the wall means that these aren’t just names; they are soldiers who were sons, fathers, and brothers. Seven Rifles veterans have taken their own lives in the last year alone. I don’t want to inscribe another brick.’

The construction firms prioritising mental health

According to the BBC, Bouygues is one firm working to address the mental health of workers. The firm has brought in mental health first aiders to help support and recognise those struggling with their mental health.

It needs to be made clear that ‘it is ok to not be ok,’ says Bouygues Corporate Social Responsibility Director, Leigh Hughes.

Many crane or digger operators, for example, work long hours in isolation, added Hughes.

Nick Toulson, Bouygues Community Engagement Officer, suffered from depression since he was a teenager, he said: ‘Bottling your feelings up, bottling your depression and anxiety up, is probably one of the worst things you can do… It’s really important to talk, whether that’s chatting over a cup of coffee with your work colleagues…or getting an appointment with your GP.’